Maybe the Air Force is returning to the idea of an "Airborne Aircraft Carrier"? They built one back in the 20's or 30's. With the recent return in popularity and usefulness of Zeppelins and Blimps, maybe their considering building one? we already know the air force has spy blimps equipped with thermal and night imaging and such over in Iraq. And it seems to me that you'd need an aircraft about a mile long and half mile wide for a flying aircraft carrier (The carrier needs room for helium bladders, as well as storage space for weapons, fighters, crew, etc.) if you want to be able to land on it.